Starting as a Demon Warlock to Become a Lord

Limon hadn't detected anything out of the ordinary, but the petite figure beside him surely had. She stared at the Stone Demon lying on the beach and murmured softly, "So that's how it is... you're truly fortunate."

"What have you discovered?" Limon inquired, glancing down at the little one beside him.

The small figure fluttered her dainty hand and pointed at the severed neck of the Stone Demon. "See that wound? It exploded from the inside. Your strike happened to hit the precise spot where its magical energy was concentrated, triggering the energy to destabilize and erupt."

"Ah, so that's the reason..." Limon finally grasped the situation, realizing why his blow had been so impactful.

"However..." The small figure looked up at Limon and added, "Luck aside, it also attests to your strength. Without sufficient force in that strike, you wouldn't have been able to disrupt its magic. So, indeed, your strength is proven."

Being complimented by such a diminutive being didn't exactly fill Limon with a sense of pride. He gazed down at her, chuckling softly, "So, shall I carry you back, or will you come along on your own?"

Annoyed, the little one jabbed a tiny finger at him, momentarily speechless. "You... hmph!" With an exasperated huff, she spun around and began walking back.

Watching her small form, Limon felt a twinge of amusement. How could there be such an endearing being? Even when angry, she seemed charming. The harsh words she uttered held no real bite, only adding to her cuteness. Truly, a doll-like creature...

Smiling, Limon followed, not willing to leave any potential threats unguarded.

Once they had departed, a figure emerged from the forest near the fallen Stone Demon. She was draped in a white robe, with silver hair and soft, fluffy ears. She knelt beside the Stone Demon, her sharp, golden eyes scrutinizing it intently.

"This kind of power... are those people active again? But who killed it? This dark, disconcerting energy doesn't seem like theirs. Who could it be?"

The return journey was uneventful, and before long, Limon and the little one arrived at the Sand Fishery. From a distance, Laradoya spotted them and rushed forward, visibly relieved.

"Thank goodness, Miss Narara! If you hadn't returned, I wouldn't have known what to do!" he exclaimed, approaching the pair near the cabin, his posture noticeably more relaxed.

"Good to be back, indeed," he said, "But please, don't stray again. This isn't the city, and if..."

He was interrupted as Narara waved her small hand. "I understand, Mr. Laradoya. I won't run off anymore."

By then, most of the workers had returned, and several soldiers in silver chainmail were standing near the cabin. Taking a deep breath, Laradoya composed himself and turned to Narara. "I've summoned the Silver Guard escort. Miss Narara, please return with them. Rest assured, I'll send you the finest sand bonefish as promised."

Narara cast a reluctant glance at the Silver Guard soldiers nearby but ultimately nodded. She didn't truly want to leave, but she had no alternative.

At Laradoya's signal, three Silver Guard soldiers stepped forward.

"Please ensure Miss Narara's safety and see her home," he instructed them, and the soldiers nodded in unison.

Narara knew she had to depart. She took a step back, bowed gracefully with her hands on her waist, and offered Laradoya a polite farewell. Yet, before leaving, she looked past him, her gaze fixed on Limon. "Adventurer, despite your brusqueness, you saved me, and I won't forget that kindness."

With that, she turned and walked away, escorted by the soldiers towards a luxurious carriage waiting nearby.

Once the carriage had left, Laradoya let out a sigh of relief, leaning against the wooden fence in front of the cabin. As if something had occurred to him, he quickly straightened up, looking earnestly at Limon.

"Sir, when you found Miss Narara, did anything occur?"

Limon didn't conceal anything and recounted the encounter with the Stone Demon.

After listening, Laradoya sighed resignedly. "I have an inkling as to why Miss Narara went there. She recently lost a precious keepsake left to her by her late mother, and she's been feeling rather guilty about it."

Pausing thoughtfully, Laradoya murmured, "Miss Narara has many adversaries, but few would dare to act here. This matter cannot be ignored. I'll report it to the Silver Guard headquarters for investigation."

Looking grateful, Laradoya expressed his gratitude to Limon, "It's a blessing you were there, sir. Without your assistance, I dread to think what might have happened. I can't thank you enough."

Limon gave a slight shake of his head and replied calmly, "Since I was there, I couldn't simply stand by idly."

Hearing this, Laradoya appeared touched. "If only more adventurers possessed the same mindset as you. I sense your future will be far from ordinary. By the way, may I ask your name?"

"Limon Darwin," he answered.

"Ah, Sir Limon! You accepted the task I posted, didn't you?" Laradoya beamed with satisfaction. "That's splendid. With your escort, this journey should proceed smoothly."

Glancing around, Laradoya said, "Today is Harvest Day, and we depart tomorrow. Feel free to rest in the cabin, Sir Limon. Tonight, there will be a magnificent bonfire celebration. I hope you're looking forward to it."

With that, Laradoya patted his cheeks to invigorate himself, smiling broadly.